“One of the deputies told me they felt they had shot approximately 25 animals on the way up to the house to check on Mr Thompson. That number could be higher or lower. When they're shooting animals in all directions, it's hard to keep track," said Sheriff Lutz.

He warned local people to stay indoors and said that local schools would remain closed until all the animals were caught or killed.

Staff from the Columbus Zoo and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources were called in to help police handle the situation. So far no injuries have been reported.